Higher B3 Levels in Pregnant Women Prevent Eczema in Babies

Though eczema is such a common condition, there has been surprisingly little research done on it. Several herbs are known to help, and there is some research supporting the use of vitamins C, D and zinc. Now a new study has suggested a preventative role for vitamin B3: a very early preventative role. . . .

The new study included 497 pairs of mothers and their infants. In the late stages of the women’s pregnancies, the researchers measured their levels of the nicotinamide, or niacinamide, form of vitamin B3. They then followed their infants to see if they developed eczema and whether there was a relationship to pregnancy levels of niacinamide in the mothers.

When the babies were 6 months old, there was no relationship between levels of niacinamide in the expecting mothers and eczema in their babies. But, at 12 months, there was. The babies born to mothers with the highest levels of niacinamide had the lowest levels of eczema: their risk of developing eczema was a significant 31% lower.

This is the first study to identify an association between B3 during pregnancy and eczema in infancy. It is exciting because it suggests that easily made dietary changes by the mother could prevent eczema in her child.

Clinical & Experimental Allergy 2016;46:1337-43

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For much more on eczema, see our book The Family Naturopathic Encyclopedia.